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Safe Generator Use for Y2K: CPSC, DeVilbiss Air Power Company Alert Consumers About Gasoline Tanks on Certain Portable Generators

U.S. CPSCFireDec 30, 1999

Hazard

CPSC and DAPC are investigating whether the fuel tanks on the generators can crack where the tanks mount on the frame, posing a fire hazard. As a precaution until that evaluation is complete, consumers should not put more than three gallons of gasoline in the fuel tanks at any time.

Remedy

Any consumer who has seen leakage from the tank should not use the generator and should contact DAPC to obtain a free warranty replacement tank.

Incidents & injuries

Each year, carbon monoxide from fuel-burning appliances kills approximately 200 people and sends 10,000 people to hospital emergency rooms. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu, including nausea, headache, dizziness, and irregular breathing. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can cause death.

Product description

The only generators affected by this notice have the following brand names: DeVilbiss Air Power Company, EX-CELL, PowerBack, Companion Model 919-32721, and Craftsman Model No. 919-32651. The seven gallon tanks that are affected include only those tanks that bear dates prior to June 1, 1999. The date is on the serial barcode label found on one of the gasoline tank support rails and on the shipping carton label.

Sold on

These generators were sold nationwide from February 1996 until June 1999.

Contact the company

Consumers should contact DAPC at (800) 544-6986, ext. 21 or at www.devap.com to obtain a free warranty replacement tank. Consumers with questions can contact DAPC directly rather than contacting retailers. Consumers also can contact CPSC at (800) 638-2772.

What should I do?

Stop using the product and follow the remedy below. Contact the company for a refund, repair or replacement — recall remedies are free.

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